Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Complete Streets

Cuomo Signs Complete Streets Bill, To Take Effect In February

5:14 PM EDT on August 16, 2011

As he announced yesterday, Governor Andrew Cuomo signed the complete streets bill into law this afternoon. The law will require all major transportation projects -- either those undertaken by the state DOT or funded and overseen by them -- to consider all users, whether they are driving, cycling or walking. Depending on the context, that could mean anything from including a shoulder on the side of the road to building sidewalks and crosswalks to installing traffic calming devices and bike lanes.

Complete streets wouldn't be state policy (it becomes official 180 days from now, in mid-February) if it weren't for committed safety advocates. AARP, the Tri-State Transportation Campaign, Transportation Alternatives, the New York League of Conservation Voters and an environmental movement which named complete streets one of five "Super Bills" all did the hard work to take a policy that died in the Assembly last year successfully through Albany this time around. Inside government, officials from the state DOT and Cuomo's office helped hammer out the details of the bill while Assembly Member David Gantt and Senator Charles Fuschillo served as lead sponsors in their chambers.

And a profound measure of credit goes to Sandi Vega. Vega's daughter Brittany was killed last year walking across Long Island's SunriseHighway, one of the region's very deadliest roads. Vega honored her daughter's memory by becoming a passionate fighter for complete streets.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Pols: Congress Must Bolster Sustainable Commutes to Reduce Carbon and Congestion

The feds should bolster sustainable commuting modes and transportation demand management strategies.

September 27, 2023

Tuesday’s Headlines: Don’t Look Up Edition

It's hard to believe that it's going to rain again today, plus other more important news.

September 26, 2023

Another Flip-Flop: City Hall Allegedly Pauses Almost-Done Underhill Ave. Bike Boulevard

City Hall is intervening in yet another street redesign project, and supporters fear it could be the start of dismantling other improvements.

September 26, 2023

Analysis: Everyone Agrees — Less Parking Means More Housing

Let's take a second-day look at Mayor Adams's "City of Yes" zoning proposal to do away with mandatory parking in new developments.

September 25, 2023
See all posts